Interactive Projectors

SMART LightRaise™ 60wi2 to launch later this month (June)

My last post for interactive projectors has had quite a few views which indicates that schools are seriously considering them as viable option for delivering multimedia resources in the classroom.

Steljes will be adding the new SMART LightRaise 60wi2 interactive projector to the product range in June to provide a choice of interactive projector models this summer.

The new SMART LightRaise 60wi2 should captivate users, providing interactivity on virtually any solid flat surface or dry erase board. The improved model is brighter at 3000 lumens and enables up to four people to simultaneously write, touch and interact within the inclusive SMART Notebook collaborative software (with one year SMART Notebook Advantage subscription also included). The unit also introduces compatibility with the Crestron® RoomView® room management system.

The new unit will complement the existing SMART LightRaise 60wi Interactive projector, which provides a dual touch experience at 2500 lumens brightness.

If you have not read my previous blog about interactive projectors you can find it here:

Interactive Projectors - Blogs - EduGeek.net

For details speak to our helpful education team or PM me direct.

The next update for SMART Notebook is now available. SMART Notebook™ 2014.1 focuses on enhancing teaching and learning in the classroom with an improved pen and touch experience in SMART Notebook.

Notebook 2014 is only available to customers with a valid SMART Notebook Advantage subscription and provides them with access to the following new features and performance improvements:

Maths Editing for SMART Notebook allows users to edit complex maths equations with pen or finger.

Pen ID support for SMART Board 6065 interactive flat panel enables multiple students to independently change tools.

Enhanced ink editing performance with improved recognition accuracy, speed and types of handwriting recognized with additional support for those right to left languages supported by SMART Notebook.

Improved user experience for Notebook Maths powered by Geogebra including new types of function recognition and additional pre-built Geogebra content (now 100,000 pieces).

Improved product activation enables IT administrators to deploy Notebook Classroom Licenses via system imaging. Using this feature activation is consumed when the teacher starts SMART Notebook rather than at the time of imaging.

SMART software downloads are available via: https://www.smarttech.com/Home+Page/Support/Browse+Support/Download+Software

For more information on SMART Notebook and SMART Notebook Advantage please call Cablers and talk to a member of our Education Technology Team.

Large format touch screens are becoming a regular addition to the front of class these days. They are also a popular choice for businesses and look great in a meeting or board room setting.

As a long established supplier and installer of innovative AV equipment we have taken a keen interest in this technology as it has developed. It has taken a few years for it to filter down from the high end, high priced units first available to the more sensibly priced classroom friendly options we expertly install.

So how will you go about choosing what type of display is right for you and your working environment? My advice is to get some advice from a specialist installer. Not one of those large box shifting companies that badge themselves as education specialists. You will most likely end up speaking to an operator who will take your order and tell you the product you have chosen is the best thing since sliced bread and fit for purpose even though they have never been inside a classroom since they left school.

Too many companies will supply equipment without ever visiting you or your school to see if its going to be right. It’s never going to be as simple as hanging a flat screen on a wall and plugging it in. Most of the large format touch screens suitable for a school environment are quite heavy and you should have a survey to make sure that the fabric of the wall can handle the weight. You do not want one of these falling off the wall three months after it’s installed. Aside from the cost of replacing a screen the health and safety implications don't bear thinking about. You will also need to know whether the electrics are situated in the right place, that all you’re cabling and connections will reach, work and that the planned screen will be able to be seen from every seat in the classroom.

A good company quoting for you will not charge for a survey and the opportunity to discuss your plans and requirements. (Get some GOOD advice.) It can be a bit of a mine field so please do your research. Don't use suppliers based miles away when you have great suppliers and installers closer to home who wont have a problem popping in when they are needed.

Most of you looking at upgrading to a touch screen will already be well acquainted with your IWB. (Interactive white board) You will also be trained and experienced in using the software that goes with it such as Smart Notebook or Promethean's Activinspire to plan lessons, save and share work with other staff and students. When buying your touch screen please take your software into account. You can not legally use your Smart or Promethean software with your new screen unless you have a license! Offsted will check eventually and if you are caught using unlicensed software on your shiny new touch screen your head teacher will ultimately be responsible for the infringement.

We have seen screens demonstrated by lots of manufactures and most come bundled with their own software which when demonstrated will seem easy to use and adequate for for all your planned tasks. Please be wary! Demonstrations are designed to make the software and the screen look good. If you have the time try using the bundled software in ways that will replicate classroom scenarios, the software might well be adequate for your needs. I will say from my own experience of using some of these tools, they lack the finally honed user interfaces, and much of the functionality that are provided with Smart Notebook and Promethean Activinspire. They also cant match the vast array of readily available online resources provided on both platforms.

We have worked closely with schools over the last 15 years and have installed thousands of displays and interactive whiteboards, we understand the importance of having great software that supports your teaching.

You can get your copy of licensed software from Cablers or directly from Smart or Promethean easily enough. Just remember it will add to the total cost of the screen you are purchasing unless its bundled with the screen you buy. So what may look a great deal initially might not look so great when you budget for your preferred essential software.

If you’re teaching you will most likely be used to one of Smart’s or Promethean's interactive white board models, although we do still see a few Hitachi boards around. The smallest screen you will have on a IWB will be 64" and it will be in a 4 x 3 format which is non widescreen. Most of the IWB's we installed in 2013 were the larger sized 77" 3 x 4 format or 87" 16:9 wide format. It can be a little confusing but you need to keep this sizing in mind as you search out a touch screen suitable for your classroom.

Large format touch screens only display in a wide screen format which means that a 55" touch screen display which sounds quite large will in effect deliver icons on screen look much smaller than they would if displayed in a 4 x 3 format. The feed back we have received is that icons are not big enough for every child in the class to see comfortably. The bigger you can afford to go with your screen size the better the experience will be for users. Not so much the users at the front of the class interacting with the screen but certainly the children spread around the class following the lesson. We have seen quite a few of the early adopters of touch screens regret not waiting till they could afford a larger screen size. If you have a small class room then a 55" may be adequate.

Large format touch screens for schools need to be up to the job, they are going to be used day in day out. Make sure the one you buy is an "A" rated commercial display. These should be guaranteed for 50,000 plus hours use. Another option available on some screens which you may not have considered is low friction glass. You will notice it if you spend your days at the front of the class running your fingers across the screen. Another desirable option on a display that is in use all day long would be AG (anti-glare) glass on the touch panel. It will reduce eye fatigue to protect eyes of both teachers and students by significantly reducing reflection and glare on the screen.

Whatever screen option you choose you will benefit from low maintenance costs through low power consumption and eliminating the need for a projector takes with it those expensive lamp replacement charges.

Based on our knowledge of the products within the market place and from years of working with schools, local education authorities and IT support providers we make these recommendations for large format touch screens in education.

Check our our recommendations for the best 3 touch-screens currently available.

Contact Cablers for the latest offers and some good advice on all classroom multimedia solutions.

This is currently the Rolls Royce of interactive touchscreen's. The Smart E70 comes bundled with the latest version of Smart NoteBook software fully licensed for your use in school. It has a 70" high definition display (16:9 aspect ratio) which is big enough for any class room. It's low glare, low friction surface provides a natural touch experience whilst allowing students to see the board from all angles even in sunlight. It has eight points of touch which allows for up to 4 users using control gestures on the board at any one time, enabling more collaborative lessons. The E70 is also compatible with SMART's range of accessories.

This touch screen has an excellent build quality, the casing of the screen feels robust and having installed them i can see these units lasting for many, many years.

http://www.cablers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/BenQ-RP-650plus-300x150.jpg BenQ

A perfect solution for 21st century classrooms, the BenQ interactive flat panel RP650 combines the power of touch technology and multimedia connectivity to maximize the learning experience of all types of learners. Designed with safety and flexibility in mind, the BENQ RP650 is easy and simple to install in any classroom setting using a VESA wall mount. It has a massive 65" screen providing a 16:9 aspect ratio and is ample size for most class rooms. You can touch the screen to pan, zoom and scroll images with fingers through the optical 5-point multi-touch technology which allows students and teacher to write on the screen at the same time. Touch eliminates the need for a mouse or keyboard, so you can operate education software or presentations like using a tablet to enjoy an engaging experience. You can also interact with students simultaneously on the big screen. The crystal clear resolution and high brightness display means that images are clearly visible and unlike projection based interactive solutions, there is no shadowing.The dual and multi touch screens allow students to collaborate simultaneously, encouraging cooperation and teamwork in the classroom. The BENQ PR650 (PR650+ Has anti glare glass) comes bundled with a licensed copy of Smart Notebook software.

With a industrial grade panel combined with guaranteed 24/7 usage and a durable design makes a BENQ Interactive Touchscreen a very versatile solution for every classroom.

http://www.cablers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/activpanel-touch-peacock-300x191.pngPromethean ActivPanel Touch

ActivPanel Touch is available in a 65” or 70” touch panel display. ActivPanel Touch promotes active participation in whole-class or small-group lessons by providing vivid interactivity and engaging learning experiences. With a design optimised for the classroom and has superb construction, this interactive flat-panel display will enliven lessons and promote student engagement for years to come. It comes bundled with a licensed copy of Promethean’s ActivInspire for you to use with the screen in school and access to Promethean Planet’s 80,000+ free teaching resources and online professional development provide educators tools and support for active and inspired learning.

This screen provides excellent visibility in any room, at any angle. Keeping all learners engaged is the hallmark of ActivPanel Touch. Crystal-clear visibility in virtually any lighting conditions and a wide viewing angle make every seat in the house a great one. Whether you’re in a classroom flooded with warm sunshine or one with no natural lighting, every student will be well placed to actively learn.

Exceptionally smooth and responsive interactivity is the norm whether you are writing, pinching, zooming or swiping the edge of the ActivPanel Touch screen. Using a stylus or finger, ActivPanel Touch offers a natural, precise handwriting experience. The multi-touch functionality brings Windows 7 and Windows 8’s tools to life at the swipe of your students’ fingertips. ActivPanel Touch is simple and intuitive for both pupils and teachers. Using technology to accomplish your long list of learning objectives has never been easier.

Promethean's interactive flat panel is designed to meet the unique needs and demands of any classroom. Its long-lasting LED interactive touch screen, durable construction and comprehensive warranty ensure a long life of reliable service. While ActivPanel Touch works seamlessly with all Promethean solutions, it's also flexible enough to complement most educational technologies.

Check out Interactive Touch Screens for Classrooms for more information.

Contact Cablers for the latest offers and some good advice on all classroom multimedia solutions.

The other prevalent interactive white board Cablers supply to schools are from Promethean who have also refreshed their range recently. (You can read my first post about Interactive Whiteboards here.)

http://www.cablers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/promethean-activboard-500-300x187.png http://www.cablers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Promethean-ActivBoard-500-Pro-300x147.jpg

They come in three different varietys which are the Activboard500 Pro, Activboard300 Pro and the new entry level ActivboardTouch. Promethean no longer supply the Activboard100 to UK schools. Each of these Activboards is then offered in a range different sizes to suit all class rooms. (78" 87" 95" 88") As with most other class room multimedia solutions you can mount these boards to a wall, on a mobile stand or you can opt for a height adjustable option either fixed or mobile. We will be able to advise on the best solution once we understand how you want to use equipment.

Promethean bundle their boards with ActivInspire software. Using it teachers transform traditional, lecture-based classrooms into learning environments infused with imaginative, interactive experiences that captivate students’ attention while granting them the freedom to take ownership of their achievement. Designed to foster collaboration and active learning, ActivInspire empowers users to blend real-time assessment and real-world experience into the learning process.

ActivInspire provides you with everything you need to create differentiated lessons filled with rich, hands-on activities in a fraction of the time. With it you will simplify lesson preparation and delivery. Its intuitive interface allows teachers to easily create lessons, enhance collaboration and engage students through interactive tools. With curriculum-based templates and an assortment of tools, images and activities, ActivInspire provides you with all the building blocks you need to create an interactive learning environment. Connect with Promethean Planet, one of the world’s largest online educator communities, to discover a wide variety of free resources for use in the classroom.

Although you can order your Promethean board to be bundled with one of Prometheans own brand projectors, either short throw, ultra short throw or extreme short throw. We would recommend that you speak to your installer about having your board supplied with a projector that has a dedicated education warranty from a third party such as Epson. It will often save you money and it allows you more freedom to specify which connections you want with your installation that will best suit your existing class room equipment and the new technology coming through.

Promethean utilise capacity resistive touch technology for their board control which senses a pen or finger with infra red. What ever ActivBoard you pick it will require installation by a Certified Promethean Installer like us here at Cablers.

Contact us for some friendly advice about your class room multimedia options.

We can also help get the most out of your IT investment by training your staff to use Activinspire.

(Please see the Promethean board comparison chart below)

[TABLE=class: mce-item-table]

[TR]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

Product Comparison

[TABLE=class: mce-item-table]

[TR]

[TD][/TD]

[TD]ActivBoard 500 Pro[/TD]

[TD]ActivBoard 300 Pro[/TD]

[TD]ActivBoard Touch[/TD]

[TD=width: 200][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 145]Installation Options[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Mount, Adjustable, Fixed, Mobile[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Mount, Adjustable, Fixed, Mobile[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Mount[/TD]

[TD=width: 200][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 145]Board Sizes[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]78", 87", 95"[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]78", 87", 95"[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]78", 88"[/TD]

[TD=width: 200][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 145]Dual User[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Yes[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Yes[/TD]

[TD=width: 200] Yes

Dependent upon application software and operating system[/TD]

[TD=width: 200][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 145]Types of Interactivity[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Touch and ActivPen[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]ActivPen[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Touch[/TD]

[TD=width: 200][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 145]Integrated Speakers and Amps[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Yes[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Yes[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Add ActivSound System[/TD]

[TD=width: 200][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 145]Wireless Connection Option[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]-[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Add Wireless Upgrade Pack[/TD]

[TD=width: 200] -[/TD]

[TD=width: 200][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 145]Two USB Ports[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Yes[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Yes[/TD]

[TD=width: 200] -[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]-[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 145]Software Included[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]ActivInspire Professional Edition or Promethean ActivOffice;

Promethean Apps[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]ActivInspire Professional Edition or Promethean ActivOffice[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]ActivInspire Professional Edition[/TD]

[TD=width: 200][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 150]Operating Systems[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Windows, Mac, Linux[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Windows, Mac, Linux[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Windows[/TD]

[TD=width: 200][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 150]Standard Warranty[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Three Years *[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]Three Years *[/TD]

[TD=width: 200]One Year *[/TD]

[TD=width: 200][/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

[TABLE=class: mce-item-table]

[TR]

[TD]* Extended Warranty available. Terms and Conditions apply. http://www.prometheanworld.com/gb/english/education/products/[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

I will start with Smart Boards, they have been around for the longest time and in our experience seem to be the most popular multimedia addition to a classroom. They come bundled with the fantastic SMART Notebook Advantage collaborative learning software. This software sets the standard for creating delivering and managing interactive lessons all within a single application. Teachers can easily create engaging interactive lessons, and then save notes or content from those lessons to share with other staff and students. SMART Notebook software also provides a common platform for linking a variety of classroom technologies and student mobile devices. This licensed Smart Notebook software is a part of the Advantage software package and Notebook comes free forever . It is linked directly to the board you have purchased. It is no longer transferable to other boards or touch screens you have in your school. You can not legally use it for any other device. Especially non Smart products. For the first year you will also been given free access to a suite of tools as part of Smart Notebook Advantage software package such as:

SMART Response VE

Seamlessly transition between lesson delivery and assessment. Students can respond to planned and spontaneous questions and quizzes from any Internet-enabled device, anywhere.

SMART Notebook 3D tools

Provide truly immersive learning through the use of 3D objects directly in your SMART Notebook lesson.

SMART Notebook Connect

Find and explore new content, resources and professional development within SMART Notebook.

XC basic

Stimulate collaboration and discussion whilst incorporating mobile devices into your SMART Notebook lessons in new and exciting ways.

SMART Notebook Maths

Improve maths functionality for all year levels with more than 55,000 maths content objects and interactive activities for geometry, algebra, calculus and statistics. It supports both Mac and PC.

New tools

Easily create and deliver engaging lessons with new functionality in SMART Notebook, including a paintbrush pen and image editing tool.

Ink editing

Enhance instruction with automatic handwriting recognition and conversion combined with intuitive text editing capabilities. Now you can edit, move, delete, modify or insert text objects without reaching for a keyboard.

At the end of your 12 month free trial of these add on's you can continue to use Smart Notebook for free and lose the use of the plug in's or carry on enjoying the full benefits of SMART Notebook Advantage by paying an annual subscription which ensures that you can upgrade to the latest version of SMART Notebook, unlock add-ons and plug-ins and access live technical support.

For further details on the new software licensing for Smart Notebook Advantage and costs i ask that you contact us directly.

The range of boards offered by Smart has recently been refreshed, they no longer use the resistive touch technology which relied on pressure applied to the board to sense touch and all now come with DViT (Digital Vision Touch) this technology uses cameras to distinguish between different actions and respond accordingly . A very effective and reliable solution.

They come in three distinct flavors the 400, 600 and 800 series from which you should be able to find the perfect match for your needs. You can use a Smart Board with any projector, we would recommend you use an Ultra Short Throw which look great and cut down on shadows cast across the working area when in use but a short throw or standard throw projector will fulfill the task effectively enough.

You will also need to consider what type of audio you want installed with your chosen Smart Board. We prefer to install wall mounted speakers and amps while providing wall mounted connections for your most common devices such as VGA, HDMI, USB etc. You should talk to your installer well in advance of your installation to specify what your preferred connections are. Integrated speakers are available on some of the premium Smart Boards models and we can also source Smarts own speakers which hang on the side of the boards and look integrated. All boards can be wall mounted or mounted on a fixed or height adjustable mobile stands allowing you more flexibility in their use.

(For advice on installations, projectors & audio options give us a call 01621 859384)

Smart Boards Explained

http://www3.cablers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/400-series-smart-baord.jpg400 Series

The entry level 400 series now comprises of just one variant. The Smart Board 480.

This easy-to-use, touch-sensitive interactive whiteboard combines quality and affordability. It enables teachers and students to interact with lesson content in a natural way using either their finger or a pen. It is a single touch model so it can only be used by one person at a time and it will not support gestures such as flicking or pinching an image. The 77" (195.6 cm) 4 x 3 touch sensitive display uses two cameras to track user input and the board is a good size which can been seen from the back of your average classroom.

http://www3.cablers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/600-series-smartboard.jpg600 Series

The mid range 600 series is comprised of four variants. The Smart Board 680, 680i, 685 & 685i.

Students and teachers can naturally interact with content, writing, erasing and performing mouse functions using a finger or pen. Its a dual touch board so will support two users using single touch or one user using intuitive gestures such as flick, rotate and zoom, which makes content easier to conceptualize and comprehend. All models in the 600 series use two cameras to track user input. The i models are the same boards as the numbered variants but come bundled with Smarts own projectors, they also come with projector controls that are integrated into the pen tray for basic projector management. Because of this they come at a premium price and i models may not offer the best value for money option.

The 680 has a 77" (195.6 cm) 4 x 3 display.

The wide-format 685 has a 87” screen giving you more workspace and room to show images and videos. It’s ideal for classrooms that use widescreen laptops and monitors.

http://www3.cablers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/800series-smart-board-262x300.jpg800 series

The 800 series is a new class of interactive whiteboard available in two variants.The Smart Board 880 & 885.

Both are powerful multitouch interactive whiteboards, which enable two users to simultaneously interact on the system’s surface while using different tools or their fingers to write, draw and manipulate lesson content with gestures utilizing four cameras encased in the boards surrounding bezel. The boards will also support four users at the same time using single touch.

The 880 has a 77" (195.6 cm) 4 x 3 display

The wide-format 885 has a 87" (221 cm) screen provides you with 20% more working space than the standard 77" interactive whiteboard and is ideal for classrooms that use widescreen laptops and monitors.

Whatever Smart Board you decide suits your requirements best you will be joining millions of students and teachers around the world who use a SMART Board interactive whiteboards to help improve learning outcomes. Combining the simplicity of a whiteboard with the power of a computer, the SMART Board interactive whiteboard lets you deliver dynamic lessons, write notes in digital ink and save your work – all with the simple touch.

If this article helped explain the Smart Board range please keep checking our site as i will be posting similar articles that will cover Promethean interactive whiteboards and also the most popular large format touch screens in our blogs section.

For expert advice on classroom multimedia solutions contact Cablers.

Modern teaching practices rely increasingly on digital media to get results and keep learners engaged. Schools and colleges are benefiting from providing well connected multimedia rich environments and interactivity that can be used across all subject areas.

An interactive projector provides an option that integrates the interactivity of a whiteboard into a projector, you could think of it as a virtual whiteboard.

With an interactive projector:

• Students and teachers can write directly on the projected image using an interactive pen, finger or both with some of the more advanced models.
  
• Students can interact with content using control gestures just like they do on their mobile devices.
  
• Users interact with the projected content on nearly any flat, light-coloured surface. Some models allow interaction from a distance using pointing devices.
  
• Teachers can face the class without the interference of a bright projector light shining in their eyes.
  

Installing a classroom multimedia hub such as an interactive whiteboard with projector or a new style flat panel LED interactive display could be beyond your budget. An interactive projector is a cost effective option that can fill any gaps you have with multimedia provisioning in the classroom. Reduced hardware and installation costs provide great savings which add up quickly and could save you hundreds or thousands of pounds.

If you do plan to project straight onto a wall or uneven surface you may not get the best image from your chosen unit. We wouldn't recommend doing this unless the surface is perfect so treat yourselves to a matt white backing board and make sure you factor it into your costs. Another factor to consider is installation, these projection units are not quite the same as a standard projector and installations can be a bit more fiddly to ensure a perfect set up. It is recommended that you have them installed by certified technicians.

Cablers have partnered with Epson, BenQ and Smart to offer a range of interactive projectors, perfect for every situation.

Here are some video links for interactive projectors:

Smart LightRaise

Having been involved in deploying BYOD systems for some time now, the biggest frustration for us has been upstream proxy. The main problems we have encountered have been managing user device configuration and faults in guest and BYOD web redirection portals. There is a huge problem integrating a BYOD solution with an upstream proxy which leads the question of all “how do we transparent HTTPS traffic?”

There are four options to resolve the upstream proxy issue.

Option 1 – offering the users the upstream proxy details and asking them to configure their own devices.

Most of the schools have been unwilling and rightly so to hand out proxy details to students or guests. This compromises the network to some extent and allows users to manually change the proxy filter ports to less restricted ports.

Guests coming into school want to hop on and surf and proxy configuration can be complex on some devices and not supported on others.

Option 2 - System based configuration

Now here is a can of worms. Do I have a WPAD using DNS or DHCP or both and which devices work with WPAD and which dont. a WPAD solution can be flakey and only works for some devices although I believe it now works for IOS 7. A WPAD either need to reside on a different network or all devices on the wires and wireless will pick up the WPAD settings.

This solution can be then combined with either IOS profiles or manual WPAD entry on Ipads and iPhones.

But where does that leave our best network friend the android well back at manual proxy device configuration again.

Some wireless vendors offer an onboarding process which will help configure the settings on some devices. This includes an onboarding portal residing on an open network where the user registers and downloads a profile. This works for both Android and iPhone but windows users still need the good old WPAD file.

Option 3 – New Broadband

This is probably the best solution when it comes to BYOD. New broadband with either inhouse filtering with something like Lightspeed or with external filtering managed by the broadband provider.

This solution can be expensive and take a large chunk of the years budget, which when combined with the cost of delivering BYOD can cause the project to become to expensive especially if it involves a new managed wireless system, switching and cabling.

Some schools do not want to have the responsibility of owning the filtering and can be resistive towards changing their broadband provider which we have seen at quite a few sites.

Option 4 – onBoarder

Our quest for transparent proxy and a lot of late nights led us to implement a new module on our onBoarder system, the transparent proxy forwarder called such as we are techies and have no personality to name it. The transparent proxy forwarder (TP) is just that, it takes all packets destined for the internet and sends them to the upstream proxy on the required port. The user or device has no knowledge of an upstream proxy and no configuration on the device is required, no WPAD, no profile, no web redirect portals, no over complex solution with profile for this and WPAD for that and lets not forget android has to drink four cups of coffee then install three apps, with onBoarder just connect and surf.

The Guest TP solution

OnBoarder GTP100 has one dedicated network for the Guest devices. Users connect to the sites Guest wireless which is configured on a dedicated VLAN. The device receives DHCP and DNS settings from onBoarder with a gateway of onBoarder’s LAN gateway port. All traffic is sent to the upstream proxy via the WAN port on onBoarder.

onBoarder can be supplied with a Guest login portal if the existing wireless does not have Guest facilities or stand alone access points will be used.

The BYOD solution

onBoarder NSTP1000 has two networks for the BYOD/Guest devices, one for student forwarding and one for Guest/staff forwarding. when connecting to BYOD a single SSID can be used with dynamic VLAN’s. onBoarder’s radius server authenticates the user with username and password against the sites Active Directory and then applies the relevant VLAN to the authenticated user. The device receives DHCP and DNS settings from onBoarder with a gateway of onBoarder’s LAN gateway port. All traffic is sent to the staff or student upstream proxy port via the WAN port on the onBoarder.

onBoarder can be supplied with a Guest login portal if the existing wireless does not have Guest facilities or stand alone access points will be used.

onBoarder NSTP1000 dashboard can provide information on internet bandwidth, access point utilisation user logon details including IP address.

Both system can be configured to work with an in house filtering system and has been extensively tested with the Lightspeed filtering solution.

I hope this may be of use to anyone wanting to deploy a BYOD solution, and whether you have upstream proxy or would like a BYOD in a box solution our team have the experience to help deliver a working platform.

For more information about onBoarder and how it can help with the integration of your BYOD solution call 08453879384 and talk to one of our team.

“Wireless networking works well in all schools and can help deliver major educational benefits.”

Now that may be a sweeping statement but i believe it is a powerful truth.

A carefully planned wireless network will allow more children to benefit from ICT learning. It also gives teachers the freedom to incorporate ICT into more subjects and the flexibility to use more areas of the school for a wider range of purposes. Which is no bad thing considering the pressure many primary schools are under as they are squeezed for space with another baby boom generation filtering into the education system.

With classroom space in short supply and pupil numbers increasing it is now being recognized that reliable wireless solutions are giving schools the power to start utilising those nooks, crannies and corridors which were previously dead space. Dedicated ICT suites filled with bulky PC’s and monitors are being converted back into classrooms. Schools now have the opportunity to replace outdated equipment with tablets and laptops which can be strategically deployed on trolleys where they are needed most, creating one to one learning opportunities that traditional methods of placing hardwired computers throughout a school do not provide.

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As a flexible resource mobile devices give better value for money than desktop computers. Schools using wireless networks report that when combined with their mobile devices which allow easy access to classes across the school, both the amount and the quality of ICT use surge ahead dramatically. These shared resources are giving more children better access to school networks and the internet on a daily basis.

Wireless networks are also making it possible for teachers to blend other technology within the classroom seamlessly into lessons too. For instance your interactive white board & projector, large format touch screen and audio equipment can often be connected to your favorite mobile devices and to the schools network wirelessly. And let’s not forget your mobile devices can also connect to each other as well.

This of course leaves the door wide open for you to explore new ways to engage with students and colleagues across multiple devices and platforms. Current wireless technology coupled with up to date mobile devices in schools are giving 21st Century teachers and students a fantastic chance to explore new ways to present, share and collaborate with each other.

Why not give us a call if you would like to know more about the benefits of a managed wireless solution on 01621 859384 alternatively contact us through facebook , Twitter or PM me on edugeek.

Cabler’s provide a complete range of services to organisations planning to implement wireless and mobile network solutions.

The best piece of advice i can give you before you embark on your wireless adventure is to do some homework on the company or consultant you plan to work with. Ask for testimonials and case studies, these will always be provided by businesses with a proven track record. Unfortunately we visit too many organizations that have had wireless networks installed which have never worked properly or were not fit for purpose. Cabler’s have consequently improved these networks beyond measure for the end users but problems are easily avoided in the first place if you choose the right installation partner and you take advantage of a comprehensive wireless survey.

What is a Wireless site survey?

A wireless survey is the necessary first step in the deployment of any wireless network. It is the most essential element for providing the wireless coverage you are expecting and it will ultimately help you avoid any disappointment with its desired operation.

All wireless signals are broadcast as radio frequencies (RF). A wireless survey is a process by which a surveyor studies your building to understand the behavior of the radio frequencies. (RF) The purpose of a wireless survey is to make sure that the wireless you have in place or the wireless you will order is fit for purpose.

Through the process of RF testing we are able to build a detailed picture of your site. Signal information is collated onto a map which shows the behavior of the RF signals. The testing will have taken into account the fabric of your building, routes for additional cabling (if required) and signal strength in detail. It will pinpoint any areas prone to interference and will help determine the appropriate placement of wireless access points to provide the best coverage.

Signal Strength is most commonly known as ’coverage’ and it is the basic requirement for a wireless network. As a general guideline, low signal strength means unreliable connections and low data throughput. This will have a direct bearing on the way any device connected to the wireless network performs. Therefore a survey such as this is a great way to check the health of your existing network and asses any negative interference and/or Access Point connectivity.

The results of a proper site survey provide the detailed information that addresses coverage, interference sources, equipment placement, power considerations and cabling requirements. The site survey documentation will also serve as a guide for the network design and for the installation of your wireless infrastructure.

Be careful not to underestimate the effort and resources required to properly survey, design and deploy a wireless network. We have seen experienced IT professionals make the same mistake. You cannot just throw a few access points where you think they are most needed, or that the managed wireless controller that is sitting in your communications cabinet will take care of everything. Your wireless signal is impacted by many elements including neighboring wireless networks, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, microwaves, alarm systems and even plumbing.

Not all wireless surveys are equal and it can be quite difficult to tell if that person walking around your site knows what they are doing.

Here are a few things to look out for:

1- Make sure they want to attend site to carry out the survey. If your offered a remote survey without the vendor ever visiting site be aware that a remote survey will not answer any of the questions needed to design a robust wireless network.

2- Hopefully you are asked pertinent questions relating to you current number of devices and usage patterns and your aspirations for the future use of your network. This shows that the company you are dealing with is consultative and your not just going to get a prescriptive solution. One size does not fit all!

3- You have been asked for a plan of your building so that it can be incorporated into the software package that tests you RF coverage.

4- Make sure they take their time and check your whole building, they should also check the communications cabinet to make sure you have space for the supporting infrastructure requirements such as available switch ports, power over ethernet (POE), electrical power, and rack space needed to support the installation. They may also want to test existing cables that you plan to utilise or look at potential routes for new cabling and containment.

These are just a few things to look out for when choosing who provides your wireless solution. You will pay for a properly designed network with your time or your money when you have to redo the work. Our customers save time and money by avoiding poorly designed and deployed wireless networks. They have Cabler's experts on hand providing radio frequency & interference analysis, cabling, coverage and all the capacity information needed to deploy a high performing, secure and reliable wireless network.

The moral of this story is to "Get a Survey, before you go wireless."

We are easily contacted if you wish to discuss a wireless solution or BYOD deployment.

Why not take advantage of some good advice.